Nothing strikes fear into the heart of any new parent faster than having your baby present symptoms of illness. A rule of thumb is – the younger the infant, the quicker you should seek medical assistance.

When Should You See The Doctor?

If baby has a fever

A normal temperature is between 36.4 degrees Celsius and 37.4 degrees Celsius – anything above 39 degrees is very high. Give baby the correct dosage of paracetamol or another antipyretic medication that reduces fever. Make sure the medication is suitable for your baby’s current age. If you are not sure – check with your doctor or pharmacist. Sponge baby down in a lukewarm bath to bring down the fever. If the temperature does not drop within an hour or two, call your doctor.

If baby is vomiting and/or has diarrhoea

Some babies bring up milk when they burp during or after a feed. If the pattern changes and you are concerned, rather see your doctor for a check-up. If your baby has diarrhoea and or vomiting, dehydration can set in very quickly.

Signs of dehydration include:

Less wet nappies

Sunken fontanelle (in babies younger than 18 months)

Cold hands and feet

Dry tongue

Sunken eyes

Listless, lethargic behaviour in an older baby

See your doctor right away if any of these symptoms show.

Keep in mind that breastfed babies can pass a stool at every nappy change – this does not mean baby has diarrhoea. If your baby’s bowel pattern changes, see your doctor. Any blood in vomit or a stool must be treated as a medical emergency.

If baby gets a cough

This is generally caused by an infection – ears, throat, tonsils, sinus or bronchitis or pneumonia. If baby is younger than two months and or has a fever with the cough, take him to the doctor. Any breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, a barking cough, wheezing or vomiting while coughing should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Baby tugs at her ear

This may indicate an ear infection in an older baby. Younger babies tend to pull away from the nipple during a feed as the sucking motion increases pain in the ear. If baby has a fever and seems generally unwell, see your doctor. Any blood or pus draining from the ear usually indicates a perforated ear-drum – see your doctor immediately. Some babies also develop vomiting and or diarrhoea with an ear infection.

Baby has a seizure

Any type of seizure must be treated as an immediate medical emergency. After hours cases should be taken to a local casualty unit. While your baby is having the convulsion, make sure his or her airway is clear. There are a number of reasons why a baby may have a seizure – include a high fever, epilepsy, encephalitis or meningitis.